Fragile and conflict-affected countries want their voices to be heard

"Business as usual is not a viable option" says a document adopted by more than 400 delegates attending the International Development for All Conference at the conclusion of their three-day meeting in Dili, Timor Leste.

The Dili Consensus called for building "a framework for the next era of global development that is legitimate and relevant, truly reflecting the development challenges aspirations and challenges of people everywhere."

It reflects the determination of the fragile and conflict-affected countries to ensure that their voices are influential in reshaping the global development agenda which will succeed the Millennium Development Goals after 2015.

UN Under-Secretary-General Noleen Heyzer emphasized that "the strong and clear outcomes set out in the Dili Consensus will help drive a new agenda for change. She told a press conference "They are a powerful contribution, harnessing the best of human possibility, to putting people, planet and prosperity at the centre of the global development agenda in areas that are critical to the future of world's conflict-affected and fragile states."

Dr. Heyzer said "These areas range from the need for inclusive economic growth that is pro-jobs, pro-poor and pro-sustainability, to peace and justice, addressing gender inequality, combating climate change and ensuring fair and sustainable returns from our natural resources, including our oceans, to finance the implementation of national development plans".